The government of Vietnam has approved a new Penal Code that will strengthen the hand of law enforcement and the courts.

The new regulations are expected to come into force next year. They include all of Education for Nature - Vietnam's recommendations and an increased maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.

However, given that the revised Penal Code is already a year behind schedule, the high fives are on hold for the time being. When the code does come into effect, the onus will be on law enforcement agencies and the justice system to implement the strengthened Penal Code to its full extent.